NPF News

TUCSON, Ariz. - The Arizona Heat scattered nine hits and starting pitcher Danielle Henderson struck out three Akron hitters to earn her first win with the Heat and give her former team their first losing series 3-2. Erica Beach picked up her first save of the season.

It felt good to come out and get the win, said Henderson. It was a good welcome from this team.

She allowed six hits and two runs in the victory.

It went pretty smoothly, said catcher Leah Braatz on working with Henderson for the first time. She did awesome she hit her spots.

Arizona jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first thanks to a Becky Turi RBI single to left field scoring Jodi Otten.

Akron answered back in the top of the third scoring two runs off Henderson, but in the bottom half of the inning, Arizona tied the score on a Wendy Allen double to score Tamara Ivie.

Allen went 2 for 2 with a double and two RBIs. She leads the league in extra-base hits with 11 and doubles with eight.

Tonight the strike zone was big and I was swinging the bat, said Allen.

Heat coach Debby Day says Allen has been critical in the teams success this year.

Shes so relaxed up at the plate, she said. Shes got a good eye up there.

In the bottom of the fifth, it was Allen delivering again with an RBI single to center field, bringing in the game-winner.

Arizona improves to 12-25 while Akron drops to 23-11. The Heat travel to the East Coast for a series against the England Riptide beginning Friday, then against the NY/NJ Juggernaut on Tuesday, July 27th.

They return on Saturday, July 31st to take on the California Sunbirds followed by a Fireworks Extravaganza.

The Arizona Heat is part of the six-team National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. They play their home games at Hi Corbett Field in Tucson, Ariz. For tickets or information on the team or league, call 520-296-9595 or visit www.tucsonsoftball.com.